Ricky's Blessing Day 8/2/09

We were so happy to bless our beautiful boy in Provo Utah on August 2nd 2009. Here are the pictures we have and the blessing points as remembered by a few recorders. I think we got it all. Thanks Sister Gallespy for recording the words without me even having to ask. I missed a few that you got and they were very important ones! Wish you were all there! Dearest Father in Heaven, we take this infant Richard Jennings Shumway in our hands to give to him a name. Little Ricky I bless you with :
-A reverence for the name which you bare.
-May you know in your heart the goodness associated with this name.
-You will be blessed with a keen sense of perspective and to know what is important.
-With a strong sense of love for our Savior, Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.
-To know of the intense love you will feel from those who you call family.
-To know of the love, protection, and help that your family will give to you.
-Dear Son, you will be blessed with a desire to lead others in the paths of righteousness.
-To have a strong desire to learn and grow in an intelectual capacity.
-To receive direction with love and direct others with love.
-To have a strong testimony of the gospel.
-To seek understanding of the gospel so you can worthily serve a mission at the right time.
-To make good decisions.
-To prepare for your eternal companion.
-To have a sweet soft spirit.
-To have good interactions with others and help others to feel of the spirit.
-Little Ricky, you are so loved and will always be loved.
-I bless you to know that in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Juat To Catch Up

Here are other things that happened while in UT.














Ricky started smiling!! Yes, it is early (he was 6 weeks when he started) but he is definitely a provoked smiler. He loves to engage eye contact, coo and smile a sweet smirk that is followed up by a big open mouth smile! This is not as good as he usually does, but he stops when I get out the camera. It is like he gets entranced!















Ricky was blessed in Provo in Ricks home ward on 8/2/09. It was a beautiful blessing in which Rick gave Ricky his Grandfathers name (Richard Jennings Shumway) and blessed him to live up to it. It was really a beautiful blessing. Here he is in his blessing suit.




















This is a picture of him in the blue crochet suite was Ricky in his daddy's blessing suit. We have tried it on Jacob and Ricky each and they are both too big for them. Ricky's biceps were way to huge and he was too long for it. It sure was cute though!















Ricky got to meet his great Grandma Shumway for the first time while visiting.


















Ricky and Jakie just love their grandmas! They love grandmas, great grandmas and pretty much all ladies that want to love them. Grandmother Shumway was giving them such sweet love here and they loved her back!















Well, it is official, Ricky's eyes are definitely blue. They are so pretty! They have a grey blue band that has a lighter blue band inside around the dark pupils. I love looking at them!















Could this child have received more kisses???? Aunt Katie and Grandma Shumway sure gave him a lot, but every time I got him back from family members at gatherings I could smell numerous colognes and perfumes and see lipstick kisses all over him. He could not believe his luck!















Provo Canyon: South Fork Park Grounds















The stream that cooled our hot summer day before coming home.















Uncle Cam dipping Jacob in the stream in his undies!















Jacob walking across the stones. Such a ham! This was a favorite family home evening site for Dad while we lived in UT.




















Jacob throwing rocks in the Provo river (a favorite pass time) in a park of Ricks childhood near their home in Provo where he grew up.

























A visit with Linus Harker. Kelly and Danny brought their kids over. Jakie and Linus took a minute to warm up but just look at they being buds!

Well, when all else fails and we are bored.... Go love Ricky. That is what seems to happen with Jakie. He sure loves his little brother.

Exerpts From The Funeral

Well, it is over. The formal services for Dad have officially been completed. The services were absolutely beautiful and the attendance was astounding! Such a fitting tribute to such a wonderful man and example. I truly thought it was the perfect mix of simplicity and class. It would not have fit any other way. I am convinced that Dad was pleased with the way things were.

The viewing was surprisingly comforting and gave me a sense of closure. I have always been afraid of funerals since I have only been to one previously and had a bit of trepidation about attending a viewing. I found that my fears were quite unfounded. Seeing Dad without his spirit was such a testimate to me that the body and spirit really are separate and that human life is only a mixture of both. To see one without the other is to be un finished. I was able to know that he has moved on and that comforts me as I know just where he went. I am sure that all that attended would say that dad looked so good. So much better than he had been in the months leading up to his passing. The last time I saw him was in March and it was hard to see him so sick. It truly helped me to restore my thoughts of him in better times, rather than the ones I had of him when he was not well. I am grateful for that.

There were so many parts of the services and memories shared of dad that I wish I could share. Katie, Cam, Mom and Rick (and Jerry and Scott) did such a wonderful job. I would post their thoughts in their entirety if I could. Much of it was their memories and adoration for dad. Not everything they shared was written so it is hard to recapture their thoughts but I did want to share a part of the thoughts given. Rick took a part of a talk given by Dad last April (Easter Sunday) and wove it into his talk about Dad. I have copied much of the information and share it below. It is mostly Dad and parts of it are from Rick. This section of the talk was commenced by sharing stories about the kind of man dad was and how he helped and touched peoples lives with love and kindness. It continues in his words as follows:

As I contemplate this, I have often asked myself, “How can I follow?”, “How can I become such a man?” The task is indeed daunting.

Fortunately, Dad has provided me with the answers. Through his exemplary life, our experiences together, and the words I’d like to close with, I feel confident that I have been prepared for the remainder of my mortality. I understand what it is that I must do to truly live with him someday. I also believe that as a result of his association with all of you, you may feel some sense of the same.

The last discourse that he gave in mortality took place last Easter Sunday from this pulpit. He shared then what I referenced before – the way to a well-lived life, and the way to immortality and exaltation. Allow me to share with you a few of his words:

o “Life threw us a curve ball last September – high, fast, and inside. Stage 4 cancer…terminal at some point. What have I learned because of it? As you might imagine, [I’ve engaged in] much contemplation in the quiet hours of the night.

o Interestingly enough, I’ve been made more aware of the atonement – how it encompasses all things. I thought I knew about it before, but this [experience] has brought [to me] an increased love and appreciation for the Savior, and what he has done for all of us.

o What does that mean that the atonement encompasses all? It’s everything that we do and say.

o It includes our willingness to follow Christ as our Savior, to keep the commandments, and to go about doing good – to serve. These things have been made clearer to me through this experience.

o Go about doing good – I love that phrase. This has been made clearer because of many of you have shown how you follow the Savior – friends, family, and neighbors showing by example what it means to follow Christ. Whether it’s a loaf of fresh bread from the oven, or a phone call “just to check,” my life has changed and I am better for it.

o Christ has taken our burdens – what shall we do to repay that unplayable debt? I will tell you how…we should “always remember him.” We should have his spirit to be with us – ALWAYS. Those who tarry here have a few precious moments remaining “to prepare to meet God.” Unfinished business is our worst business. Today we have a little more time to bless others – time to be kinder, more compassionate, quicker to thank, more generous in sharing, more gracious in caring.

o These are the things that I have learned. Enjoy your family, take joy in any accomplishment, and don’t worry about the small things. The worry is not worth the cost. Find ways to show your love to your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family. Tell them that you love them, mean it, and show it.

o I did not choose this path – I think. But I am at peace with it because I know that God is in charge, and his will be done. It has done much to deepen my love and appreciation for life, and the gifts that it presents. Go to a birthday party and enjoy it. Love and appreciate your children and grandchildren – play lizards. Enjoy the beauty around you. Know that all blessings come from God. Young men and young women – look to your fathers and mothers as examples, do it today. Be a good member of your family. Enjoy going to a game with them, a concert, or McDonald's. Look for ways to be of service – God will show you how.
Again, love those that you associate with, appreciate the small acts and the large occasions, and pray to God that you will know what to do to go about doing good. You will change lives as you do so. Mine has certainly been changed because of you.”

Rick ended his thoughts (and dads thoughts) with his love and adoration for one of the worlds "greatest men". I loved this tribute and am so glad that most of the thoughts shared Friday were echoed in Dad's very own words. He did not only preach how to love and serve, he actually did it. I hope that one day my loved ones can say the same of me. He is truly missed.

Thanks For The Support

I just wanted to type a quick note to say thank you for all of the support! Your calls, e mails, comments and concern has been so comforting while the family deals with such difficult times. Rick and I wanted to be sure to post the information for any that want to attend tomorrow or Friday. I copied the obituary from the Daily Herald for all to see in the following post. I think it was a great tribute to a man that we all loved! I bolded the location of the viewing/services at the end of the article so anyone could get there. We love you all and again... Thank you!

Richard Jennings Shumway
1950 ~ 2009

Richard Jennings Shumway, beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandpa, returned to his Heavenly Father on July 24, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones in his final hours. He will be missed by all who knew him, but we know that he is at peace and will lovingly await our return to be with him.

Rick was born on November 18, 1950 in Provo, UT to R. Phil and Nelda Moon Shumway. He attended school in both Provo and Orem, UT. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sweden from 1969-1971. He said that a day never passed that he did not remember his sweet experiences there. He graduated from BYU with a B.A. in History, an M.A. in Community Education, and also held a post-graduate certificate in Gerontology.

He spent his professional career in long-term care administration, and touched the lives of many. He loved the residents, their families and staff that he interacted with, and always viewed his career as an opportunity to serve others.

Rick was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He always made the Lord his first priority, and served his Heavenly Father faithfully in numerous capacities. Through each of these opportunities, he impacted many. Whether as a missionary, the Blazer Scout leader, a teacher in primary, the ward choir director, or a member of the bishopric, he loved each opportunity that he was given.

Rick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married Carolyn T. Jensen in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on June 15, 1979. Together they were blessed with three children, Richard Phil, Cameron Craig, and Mary Katherine (Katie). His family brought him the greatest joys of his life. He cherished his time with his two beloved grandsons, Jakie and Ricky. They always brought a sweet smile to his face, and he to theirs.

Rick is survived by his wife Carolyn, his children, Rick (Sarah), Pittsburgh, PA.; Cameron and Katie, Provo, UT; his grandchildren Jacob Cameron and Richard Jennings Shumway, (Pittsburgh, PA).; his mother Nelda, Orem, UT; brothers Scott (Anne), Matt (Becky), and Jim (Jill), and sisters Linda Shumway and Hallie Crockett. He was preceded in death by his mentor and father, Phil and his brother-in-law, Lynn Crockett.

We love you Dad, and look forward to an eternity together.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Grandview South Stake Center, 1122 N. Grand Ave., Provo. Friends may call at the church Thursday, July 30 from 6-8 p.m. and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment in the Provo City Cemetery will follow.

We wish to thank Dr. Nathan Rich and staff, Dr. Marlan Hansen and Intermountain Hospice for their kind and competent care. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.

For All That Knew Dad Shumway...

I am so sad to share the news of the passing of my husbands Father Richard J. Shumway (for whom my son is named). He succumbed to Cancer this afternoon (July 24th) and though gone only hours, is so truly missed by us and all that knew him. Emotions are too raw to comment on feelings and thoughts about him, his passing, and our profound sorrow at this time, but as we travel home to UT I am sure that I will have thoughts that I will want to post and share with you all.
We will be in Utah 7/25/09 -8/3/09 to be with family during this difficult time. It has seemed so wrong to be so far away when we have desired to be close with siblings and Mom & Dad Shumway as he passed. Rick is understandably heart broken and home sick but the calls from friends and family have offered sweet moments of comfort to he and I. We thank you for your support and outpouring of love.
Many of our friends are in UT. so the funeral date, time, etc. will be in the paper. I will post it here after we have it set for any friends that wish to attend his viewing or funeral (not sure yet what will be done at this point or when.). We would love to see all of those that knew dad or want to be there. We love you all! Thank you for your prayers and support.

I Tried To Upload Footage And This Is All That Would Load!

Well, we are getting lots of questions about Ricky so I thought I would film him for a bit to give everyone his up to date info. I tried for like 36 hours to upload adorable video of him shot a day or so ago and the freaking thing would not upload!!!! I hate technology sometimes! I shot a few options just in case, and this is the only one that will upload! It is only a few seconds and the subject is more funny than cute. I will put the other one on tomorrow with the stats, etc. after I shoot a shorter version. The one I tried to do tonight is too dark. Sorry Kate!!!

To preface the clip, I had just shot an adorable 2 minute clip with Ricky looking in the camera and being all squishy and adorable. I thought I was done and turned off the camera seconds before he started, well.....you will see. This clip was the last 10 seconds of , well...you will see. Anyway, the total , you will see.. was like 25 seconds (not kidding). I had to pick up the camera, turn it on, and still I got, well......you will see.

The good side of it is that it is funny. The bad side of it is it is slightly off color! Anyone that loves gas and poo will love this one! If you do not love either gas or poo, just wait until tomorrow and you will see how adorable he is whiteout the off colorn-ess of this one! We love you all and wish we could let you experience this little "pressure cooker" in person! He is truly adorable and funny all in one. Sounds just like his big brother huh!